Notification on Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) 55

ENVIRONMENT IMPACT ASSESSMENT NOTIFICATION, 1994

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS

NOTIFICATION
ON
Environmental Impact Assessment of Development Projects

New Delhi, the 27th January, 1994

(as amended on 04.05.1994)

1.'S.O. 60 (E) Whereas a notification under clause (a) of sub-rule (3) of rule 5 of the
Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986 inviting objections from the public within sixty
days from the date of publication of the said notification, against the intention of the
Central Government to impose restrictions and prohibitions on the expansion and
modernization of any activity or new projects being undertaken in any part of India
unless environmental clearance has been accorded by the Central Government or the
State Government in accordance with the procedure specified in that notification was
published as SO No. 80(E) dated 28th January, 1993;

And whereas all objections received have been duly considered;

Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) and clause (v) of
sub-section (2) of section 3 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (29 of 1986)
read with clause (d) of sub-rule (3) of rule 5 of the Environment (Protection) Rules,
1986, the Central Government hereby directs that on and from the date of publication
of this notification in the Official Gazette, expansion or modernization of any activity
(if pollution load is to exceed the existing one, or new project listed in Schedule I to
this notification, shall not be undertaken in any part of India unless it has been accorded
environmental clearance by the Central Government in accordance with the procedure
hereinafter specified in this notification;

2. Requirements and procedure for seeking environmental clearance of projects:

I(a) Any person who desires to undertake any new project in any part of India or the
expansion or modernization of any existing industry or project listed in the
Schedule-I shall submit an application to the Secretary, Ministry of Environment
and Forests, New Delhi.
56 Notification on Environment Impact Assessment (EIA)

The application shall be made in the Performa specified in Schedule II of this notification
and shall be accompanied by 1[a project report which shall, inter-alia, include an
Environmental Impact Assessment Report Environment Management Plan] 2[and details
of public hearing as specified in Schedule IV] prepared in accordance with the guidelines
issued by the Central Government in the Ministry of Environment & Forests from time to
time.

3
[Provided that for pipeline projects, Environmental Impact Assessment report will not be
required:

Provided further, that for pipeline and highway projects, public hearing shall be
conducted in each district through which the pipeline or highway passes through]:

(b) Cases rejected due to submission of insufficient or inadequate data and 4[plan]
may be reviewed as and when submitted with complete data and 4[plan]. Submission of
5
[incomplete data or plan for] the second time would itself be a sufficient reason for the
impact assessment agency to reject the case summarily.
II. In case of the following site-specific projects: -
(a) mining;
(b) pit-head thermal power stations;
(c) hydro-power, major irrigation projects and/or their combination including
flood control;
(d) Ports and harbours (excluding minor ports);
6
[(e) Prospecting and exploration of major minerals in areas above 500
hecates.]
7
[(f) Green field air ports, petrochemical complexes and refineries [***..]
The project authority will intimate the location of the project site to the Central
Government in the Ministry of Environment & Forests while initiating any investigation
and surveys. The Central Government in the Ministry of Environment & Forests will
convey a decision regarding suitability or otherwise of the proposed site within a
maximum period of thirty days. 8[The said site clearance shall be granted for a sanctioned
capacity and shall be valid for a period of five years for commencing the construction,
operation or mining.]

1
Substituted by Notification S.O.356(E), dated 4.5.1994.
2
Substituted by Notification No.S.O.318(E), dated 10.4.1997.
3
Added vide Notification No.S.O.632(E), dated 13.6.2002.
4
For the words action plans the word plan substituted vide Notification S.O.356(E), dated 4.5.1994.
5
For the words incomplete data for the words incomplete data or plans for substituted vide Notification
S.O.356(E), dated 4.5.1994.
6
Sub-clause (e) inserted vide Notification S.O.356(E), dated 4.5.1994.
7
Inserted vide Notification No. S.O. 1009(E), dated 18.9.2002, further amended by omitting the words mega
thermal power plants vide Notification S.O.1087(E), dated 22.9.2003.
8
Substituted vide Notification S.O.356(E), dated 4.5.1994.
 Notification on Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) 57

1
III (a) [The reports] submitted with the application shall be evaluated and assessed
by the impact Assessment 2[Agency, and if deemed necessary it may consult]
a Committee of Experts, having a composition as specified in Schedule-III of
this Notification. The Impact Assessment Agency (IAA) would be the Union
Ministry of Environment and Forests. This Committee of Experts mentioned
above shall be constituted by the Impact Assessment Agency (IAA) 3[***]
or such other body under the Central Government authorized by the IAA in
this regard.

(b) The said Committee of Experts shall have full right of entry and inspection of
the site or, as the case may be, factory premises at any time prior to, during
or after the commencement of the operations relating to the project.

4
[(c) The Impact Assessment Agency shall prepare a list of recommendations
based on the technical assessment of documents and data, furnished by the
project authorities, supplemented by data collected during visits to sites or
factories, if undertaken, and interaction with affected population and
environmental groups, if necessary. Summery of reports, the
recommendation and the conditions, subject to which environmental
clearance is given, shall be made available subject to the public interest to the
concerned parties or environmental groups on request. Comments of the
public may be solicited if so decided by the Impact Assessment Agency,
within thirty days of receipt of proposal, in public hearings, arranged for the
purpose, after giving thirty days notice of such hearings in at least two
newspapers. Public shall be provided access subject to the public interest to
the summery of the report/Environmental Management Plants at the Head
Quarters of the Impact Assessment Agency.

The Assessment shall be completed within a period of ninety days from receipt of
the requisite documents and data from the project authorities and completion of public
hearing, where required, and decision conveyed within thirty days thereafter.
The clearance granted shall be valid for a period of five years from
commencement of the construction or operation.]
5
[IIIA No construction work, preliminary or otherwise, relating to the setting up of the
project may be undertaken till the environmental and site clearance is obtained.]

1
For the words The summery feasibility report, the words The reports substituted vide Notification
S.O.356(E), dated 4.5.1994.
2
For the words agency at the Central Government in consultation with, the words agency consult.
Substituted vide Notification S.O.356(E), dated 4.5.1994.
3
The word concerned omitted vide Notification S.O.356(E), dated 4.5.1994.
4
Sub-clause (c) substituted vide Notification S.O.356(E), dated 4.5.1994.
5
Clause IIIA substituted vide Notification S.O.356(E), dated 4.5.1994.
58 Notification on Environment Impact Assessment (EIA)

1
[IV. In order to enable the Impact Assessment Agency to monitor effectively the
implementation of the recommendations and conditions subject to which the
environmental clearance has been given, the project authorities concerned shall
submit a half-yearly report to the Impact Assessment Agency. Subject to the
public interest, the Impact Assessment Agency shall make compliance reports
publicly available.]
V. If no comments from the Impact Assessment Agency are received within the time
limit, the project would be deemed to have been approved as proposed by project
authorities.
2
VI. [Off shore exploration activities beyond 10 kms from the nearest habitated
village boundry, gaothans and ecologically sensitive areas such as mangroves
(with a minimum area of 1000 sqm) corals, coral reefs, national parks, marine
parks, sanctuaries, reserved forests and breeding and spawning grounds of fish
and other marine life]
3. Nothing contained in this Notification shall apply to :
(a) any item falling under entry 3[numbers 4{3, 18, 20, 31 and 32} of the
Schedule-I] to be located or proposed to be located in the areas covered by
the Notifications S.O.No.102(E), dt.1st February,1989; S.O.114(E), dt.20th
February,1991, 5[S.O.No.416(E) dt.20th June,1991 and S.O.No.319(E), dt.7th
May,1992.]
6
[(b) any item falling under entry no. 1,2,3,4,5,7,9,10,13,14,16,17, 7[19,21, 25,]27 of
Schedule-I if the investment is less than Rs 100 crores for new projects and
less than Rs. 50 crores for expansion / modernization projects.]

(c) any item reserved for Small Scale Industrial sector with investments less than
Rs.1 Crore.
(d) defence related road construction projects in border areas
8
[(e) any item falling under entry No. 8 of Schedule-I, if that product is covered by
the notification G.S.R. 1037(E) dated 5th December, 1989.

1
Clause IV substituted vide Notification S.O.356(E), dated 4.5.1994.
2
Inserted vide Notification No.S.O.1009 (E), dated 18.9.2002, also refer Notification S.O.1087(E), dated
22.09.2003 for similar amendments.
3
For the words, figures nos. 3, 18 and 20 of the Schedule I, the words and figures numbers 3 and 18 of the
Schedule I substituted vide Notification S.O. 248 (E), dated 28.2.2003.
4
For the words and figures Nos.3, 18, and 20 the words and figures further amended 3, 18, 20, 31 and 32
substituted vide Notification S.O.801(E), dated 7.7.2004.
5
Substituted vide Notification S.O.356(E), dated 4.5.1994.
6
Substituted vide Notification S.O. 632(E), dated 13.6.2002.
7
For figures 19, 25, the figures 19, 21, 25 substituted vide Notification S.O.356(E), dated 4.5.1994.
8
Substituted vide S.O.632(E), dated 13.6.2002, For entry (e) refer notification S.O.1148(E), dated 21.11.2001 for
similar amendments.
 Notification on Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) 59

(f) Modernization projects in irrigation sector if additional command area is less

than 10,000 hectares or project cost is less than Rs. 100 crores.]
1
[(g) Many construction project falling under entry 31 of Schedule-I including
new townships, industrial townships, settlement colonies, commercial
complexes, hotel complexes, hospitals and office complexes for 1,000 (one
thousand) persons or below or discharging sewage of 50,000 (fifty thousand)
litres per day or below or with an investment of Rs.50,00,00,000/- (Rupees
fifty crores) or below.
(h) Any industrial estate falling under entry 32 of Schedule-I including industrial
estates accommodating industrial units in an area of 50 hectares or below but
excluding the industrial estates irrespective of area if their pollution potential
is high.

Explanation.

(i) New construction projects which were undertaken without obtaining the
clearance required under this notification, and where construction work has
not come up to the plinth level, shall require clearance under this notification
with effect from the 7th day of July, 2004.

(ii) In the case of new Industrial Estates which were undertaken without
obtaining the clearance required under this notification and where the
construction work has not commenced or the expenditure does not exceed
25% of the total sanctioned cost, shall require clearance under this
notification with effect from the 7th day of July, 2004.

(iii) Any project proponent intending to implement the proposed project under
sub-paras (g) and (h) in a phased manner or in modules, shall be required to
submit the details of the entire project covering all phases or modules for
appraisal under this notification.]

4. Concealing factual data or submission of false, misleading data/ reports,

decisions or recommendations would lead to the project being rejected.
Approval, if granted earlier on the basis of false data would also be revoked.
Misleading and wrong information will cover the following :
False information
False data
Engineered reports
Concealing of factual data
False recommendations or decisions
(No.Z-12013/4/89-IA-I)
R.RAJMANI, Secy.

1
Sub-clause (g) & (h) inserted vide Notification S.O.801(E), dated 7.7.2004.
60 Notification on Environment Impact Assessment (EIA)

SCHEDULE-I
(See paras 1 and 2)

LIST OF PROJECTS REQUIRING ENVIRONMENT CLEARANCE FROM THE

CENTRAL GOVERNMENT

1. Nuclear Power and related projects such as Heavy Water Plants, nuclear fuel
complex, rare earths
1
2. [River valley projects including Hydel Power Projects, Major Irrigation
Projects and their combination including flood control project except projects
relating to improvement work including widening and strengthening of
existing canals with land acquisition upto a maximum of 20 meters, (on both
sides put together) along the existing alignments provided such canals do not
pass through ecologically sensitive areas such as national parks, sanctuaries,
tiger reserves and reserve forests.]
3. Ports, Harbours, Airports (except minor ports and harbours).
2
4. Petroleum Refineries including crude and product pipelines: [Isolated
Petroleum Product Storages.]
5. Chemical Fertilizers (Nitrogenous and Phosphatic other than single super
phosphate).
6. Pesticides (Technical) 3[and Intermediates]

7. Petrochemical complexes (Both Olefinic and Aromatic) and Petro- chemical

intermediates such as DMT, Caprolactam, LAB etc. and production of basic
plastics such as LDPE, HDPE, PP, PVC.
8. Bulk drugs and pharmaceuticals 4[including intermediates].
9. Exploration for oil and gas and their production, transportation and storage.

10. Synthetic Rubber

11. Asbestos and Asbestos products

1
Substituted vide Notification No. S.O.506(E), dated 7.5.2003.
2
For item No(s). 4, 6, 8 and 26 and entries relating thereto substituted vide Notification S.O.1009(E), dated
18.9.2002 also refer Notification S.O.1087(E), dated 22.09.2003 for similar amendments.
3
For item No(s). 4, 6, 8 and 26 and entries relating thereto substituted vide Notification S.O.1009(E), dated
18.9.2002.
4
For item No(s). 4, 6, 8 and 26 and entries relating thereto substituted vide Notification S.O.1009(E), dated
18.9.2002.
 Notification on Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) 61

12. Hydro cyanic acid and its derivatives.

13. (a) Primary metallurgical industries(such as production of Iron and Steel,

Aluminum, Copper, Zinc, Lead and Ferro Alloys).

(b) Electric are furnaces (Mini Steel Plants).

14. Chlor-alkali industry.

15. Integrated plant complex including manufacture of resins and basic raw
material required in the manufacture of paints

16. Viscose Staple fiber and filament yarn.

17. Storage batteries integrated with manufacture of oxides of lead and lead
anotimony alloy.

18. All tourism project between 200m 500 meters of High Tide Line or at
locations with an elevation of more than 1000 meters with investment of
more than Rs.5crores.
1
[19. Thermal Power Plants]
2
[20. Mining project (major minerals) with leases more than 5 hectares.]
21. Highway Projects 3[except projects relating to improvement work including
widening and strengthening of roads with marginal land acquisition along the
existing alignments provided it does not pass through ecologically sensitive
areas such as National Parks, Sanctuaries, Tiger reserves, Reserve forests.]

22. Tarred Roads in Himalayas and/or Forest areas.

23. Distilleries
24. Raw Skins and Hides
25. Pulp, paper and newsprint
26. Dyes 4[and intermediates]
27. Cement
28. Foundries (individual)

1
Notification No. 319(E), dated 10.4.1997 requiring clearance from the State Government.
2
Substituted vide Notification S.O.356(E), dated 4.5.1994.
3
Substituted by Notification S.O.318(E), dated 10.4.1997.
4
For item No(s). 4, 6, 8 and 26 and entries relating thereto substituted vide Notification S.O.1009(E), dated
18.9.2002.
62 Notification on Environment Impact Assessment (EIA)

29. Electroplating
30. Meta amino phenol
1
[31. New Construction Projects
32. New Industrial Estates]

SCHEDULE-II

(See Sub-para I (a) of Para 2)

APPLICATION FORM

1. (a) Name and Address of the project proposed :

(b) Location of the Project :
Name of the place :
District, Tehsil :
Latitude/Longitude :
Nearest Airport/Railway Station :
(c) Alternate sites examined and the reasons for selecting the proposed site :
(d) Does the site conform to stipulated land use as per local land use plan:

2. Objectives of the project:

3. (a) Land Requirement:

Agriculture Land:
Forest land and Density of vegetation.
Other (specify):

(b) (i) Land use in the Catchment within 10 kms radius of the proposed site:
(ii) Topography of the area indicating gradient, aspects and altitude:
(iii) Erodibility classification of the proposed land:

(c) Pollution sources existing in 10 km radius and their impact on quality of air,
water and land:

(d) Distance of the nearest National Park/Sanctuary/Biosphere Reserve/Monuments/

heritage site/Reserve Forest:

1
Item No.31 and 32 and entries relating thereto, inserted vide Notification S.O.801(E), dated 7.7.2004.
 Notification on Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) 63

(e) Rehabilitation plan for quarries/borrow areas:

(f) Green belt plan:

(g) Compensatory afforestation plan:

4. Climate and Air Quality:

(a) Windrose at site:

(b) Max/Min/Mean annual temperature:
(c) Frequency of inversion:
(d) Frequency of cyclones/tornadoes/cloud burst:
(e) Ambient air quality data:
(f) Nature & concentration of emission of SPM, Gas (CO, CO 2, NOx, CHn
etc.) from the project:

5.Water balance:

(a) Water balance at site:

(b) Lean season water availability;
(c) Source to be tapped with competing users (River, Lake, Ground, Public
supply):
(d) Water quality:
(e) Changes observed in quality and quantity of groundwater in the last
years and present charging and extraction details:
1
[(f) (i) The quantum of existing industrial effluents and domestic sewage with
incremental load to be released in the receiving water body due to the
proposed activities along with treatment details;

(ii) The quantum and quality of water in the receiving water body before and
after disposal of solid wastes including municipal solid wastes, industrial
effluents and domestic sewage;
(iii) The quantum of industrial effluents and domestic sewage to be released on
land and type of land:]

(g) (i) Details of reservoir water quality with necessary Catchment Treatment Plan:

1
Substituted vide Notification S.O.801(E), dated 7.7.2004.
64 Notification on Environment Impact Assessment (EIA)

(ii) Command Area Development Plan:

 Notification on Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) 65

6. Solid wastes:

(a) Nature and quantity of solid wastes generated 1[including municipal solid
wastes, biomedical wastes, hazardous wastes and industrial wastes]

(b) Solid waste disposal method:

7. Noise and Vibrations:

(a) Sources of Noise and Vibrations:

(b) Ambient noise level:
(c) Noise and Vibration control measures proposed:
(d) Subsidence problem, if any, with control measures:

8. Power requirement indicating source of supply: Complete environmental details to be

furnished separately, if captive power unit proposed:

9. Peak labour force to be deployed giving details of:

- Endemic health problems in the area due to waste

- water/air/soil borne diseases:
- Health care system existing and proposed:

10. (a) Number of villages and population to be displaced:

(b) Rehabilitation Master Plan:

11. Risk Assessment Report and Disaster Management Plan:

Report prepared as per guidelines issued by the Central Government in the MOEF from
time to time:

12. (a) Environmental Impact Assessment

(b) Environment Management Plan:
(c) Detailed Feasibility Report:
(d) Duly filled in questionnaire

13. Details of Environmental Management Cell:

1
Substituted vide Notification S.O.801(E), dated 7.7.2004.
66 Notification on Environment Impact Assessment (EIA)

I hereby give an undertaking that the data and information given above are due to the best
of my knowledge and belief and I am aware that if any part of the data/information
submitted is found to be false or misleading at any stage, the project be rejected and the
clearance given, if any, to the project is likely to be revoked at our risk and cost.

Signature of the applicant

With name and full address
Date:

Place:
Given under the seal of
Organisation on behalf of
Whom the applicant is signing.

In respect to item for which data are not required or is not available as per the declaration
of project proponent, the project would be considered on that basis.

SCHEDULE-III
[See sub-para III (a) of Para 2]

COMPOSITION OF THE EXPERT COMMITTEES FOR

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

1
[1. The Committees will consist of experts in the following disciplines:]

(i) Eco-system Management

(ii) Air/Water Pollution Control
(iii) Water Resource Management
(iv) Flora/Fauna conservation and management
(v) Land Use Planning
(vi) Social Sciences/Rehabilitation
(vii) Project Appraisal
(viii) Ecology
(ix) Environmental Health
(x) Subject Area Specialists
(xi) Representatives of NGOs/persons concerned with environmental issues

1
Substituted by Notification S.O.356(E), dated 4.5.1994.
 Notification on Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) 67

2. The Chairman will be an outstanding and experienced ecologist or

environmentalist or technical professional with wide managerial experience.

3. The representative of IAA will act as Member Secretary.

4. Chairman and members will serve in their individual capacities except those
specifically nominated as representatives.

5. The membership of a Committee shall not exceed 15.

1
[SCHEDULE IV
(See sub-para 1 of para 2)
Procedure for Public Hearing

(1) Process of Public Hearing : - Whoever apply for environmental clearance of

projects, shall submit to the concerned State Pollution Control Board twenty sets of
the following documents namely : -
2
[(i) An executive summary containing the salient features of the project both
in English as well as the local language along with Environmental
Impact Assessment (EIA). However, for pipeline project, Environmental
Impact Assessment report will not be required. But Environmental
Management Plan including risk mitigation measures is required.]

(ii) From XIII prescribed under Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution)
Rules, 1975 where discharge of sewage, trade effluents, treatment of
water in any form, is required.

(iii) Form I prescribed under Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Union
Territories Rules, 1983 where discharge of emissions are involved in any
process, operation or industry.

(iv) Any other information or document which is necessary in the opinion of

the Board for their final disposal of the application.
(2) Notice of Public Hearing : -
(i) The State Pollution Control Board shall cause a notice for environmental
public hearing which shall be published in at least two newspapers,
widely circulated in the region around the project, one of which shall be
in the vernacular language of the locality concerned. State Pollution

1
Added vide Notification S.O.318(E), dated 10.4.1997.
2
Substituted vide Notification S.O. 632(E), dated 13.6.2002.
68 Notification on Environment Impact Assessment (EIA)

Control Board shall mention the date, time and place of public hearing.
Suggestions, views, comments and objections of the public shall be
invited within thirty days from the date of publication of the notification.

(ii) All person including bona fide residents, environmental groups and
others` located at the project site/ sites of displacement/ sites likely to be
affected can participate in he public hearing. They can also make
oral/written suggestions to the State Pollution Control Board.
Explanation : - For the purpose of the paragraph person means : -
(a) any person who is likely to be affected by the grant of
environmental clearance.
(b) any persons who owns or has control over the project with
respect to which an application has been submitted for
environmental clearance.
(c) any association of persons whether incorporated or not likely to
be affected by the project and/or functioning in the field of
environment;

(d) any local authority within any part of whose local limits is within
the neighbourhood, wherein the project is proposed to be
located.

(3) Composition of public hearing panel : - The composition of the Public Hearing
Panel may consist of the following, namely :-

(i) Representative of State Pollution Control Board ;

(ii) District Collector or his nominee ;

(iii) Representative of Department of the State Government dealing

with the subject;

(iv) Representative of Department of the State Government dealing

with the Environment ;

(v) Not more than three representatives of the local bodies such as
Municipalities or panchayats;

(vi) Not more than three senior citizens of the area nominated by the
District Collector.
 Notification on Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) 69

(4) Access to the 1[Executive Summary and Environmental Impact Assessment

Report]: - The concerned persons shall be provided access to the Executive
Summary of the Project at the following places namely : -

(i) District Collector Office ;

(ii) District Industry Centre;
(iii) In the Office of the Chief Executive Officers of Zila Parishad or
Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation/Local body as the case
may be ;
(iv) In the head office of the concerned State Pollution Control Board
and its concerned Regional Office;

(v) In the concerned Department of the State Government dealing with

the subject of environment.
2
[(5) Time Period For Completion of Public Hearing:- The public hearing shall be
completed within a period of 60 days from the date of receipt of complete
documents as required under paragraph 1.]

EXPLANATORY NOTE REGARDING THE IMPACT ASSESSMENT

NOTIFICATION
DATED 27TH JANUARY,1994

1. EXPANSION AND MODERNIZATION OF EXISTING PROJECTS.

A project proponent is required to seek environmental clearance for a proposed

expansion/modernization activity if the resultant pollution load is to exceed the
existing levels. The words Pollution Load will in this context cover emissions,
liquid and solid or semi-solid wastes generated. A project proponent may
approach the concerned State Pollution Control Board(SPCB) for certifying
whether the proposed modernization/expansion activity as listed in Schedule-I to
the notification is likely to exceed the existing pollution load or not. If it is
certified that no increase is likely to occur in the existing pollution load due to
the proposed expansion or modernization, the project proponent will not be
required to seek environmental clearance, but a copy of such certificate issued by
the SPCB will have to be submitted to the Impact Assessment Agency(IAA) for
information. The IAA will however, reserve the right to review such cases in the
public interest if material facts justifying the need for such review come to light.
1
For the words Executive Summery, the words Executive Summery and Environment Impact Assessment Report
substituted vide Notification S.O. 632(E), dated 13.6.2002.
2
Inserted by Notification S.O.1148(E), dated 21.11.2001.
70 Notification on Environment Impact Assessment (EIA)

2. AVAILABILITY OF SUMMARY FEASIBILITY REPORT, EIA/EMP

REPORT ETC. TO CONCERNED PARTIES OR GROUPS

The Project proponent will have to submit an executive summary incorporating

in brief the essence of project details and findings of environmental impact
assessment study which could be made available to concerned parties or
environmental groups on request.

3. CLARIFICATION ABOUT CONCERNED PARTIES OR

ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS

The concerned parties or environmental groups will be the bonafide residents

located or around the project site or site of displacement or site of alleged adverse
environmental impact.

The concerned parties or environmental groups will be the bonafide residents

located at or around the project site or site of displacement or site of alleged
adverse environmental impact.

4. PUBLIC HEARING

Public hearing could be called for in case of projects involving large

displacement or having severe environmental ramification

5. PUBLIC INFORMATION REQUIRED FOR SITE CLEARANCE/

PROJECT CLEARANCE.

(a) Site Clearance

Site clearance will be given for site specific project as mentioned in para (2) (ii)
of the notification. Project proponents will be required to furnish information
according to the environmental appraisal questionnaires for site clearance, as
may be prescribed by the IAA from time to time. Additional information
whenever required by the IAA will be communicated immediately to the project
proponents who will then be required to furnish the same within the time frame
specified.

(b) Project clearance

In addition to the application form as mentioned in Schedule II to the

notification, project proponents are required to furnish the following information
for environmental appraisal.

(i) EIA/EMP report ( 20 copies)

 Notification on Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) 71

(ii) Risk Analysis report (20 copies): however, such reports in normally not
required for a particular category of project, project proponent can state so
accordingly, but the IAAs decision in this regard will be final:

(iii) NOC from the State Pollution Control Board:

(iv) Commitments regarding availability of water and electricity from the

competent authority:

(v) Summery of Project report/feasibility report (one copy):

(vi) Filled in questionnaire (as prescribed by the IAA from time to time) for
environmental appraisal of the project:

(vii) Comprehensive rehabilitation plan, if more than 1000 people are likely to be
displaced, otherwise as summery plan would be adequate.

As a Comprehensive EIA report will normally take at least one year for its preparation,
project proponents may furnish Rapid EIA report to the IAA based on one season data
(other than monsoon), for examination of the project Comprehensive EIA report may be
submitted later, if so asked for by the IAA.

The requirement of EIA can be dispensed with by the IAA, in case of project which are
unlikely to cause significant impacts on the environment. In such case, project proponents
will have to furnish full justification for such exemption for submission of EIA. Where
such exemption is granted project proponents may be asked to furnish such additional
information as may be required.

6. SUBMISSION OF INSUFFICIENT OR INADEQUATE DATA

Regarding cases liable to be rejected due to inadequacy of data, it is clarified that the IAA
will make such rejection within 30 days from the date of submission of the proposal.
While rejecting a proposal due to insufficient or inadequate data after the first evaluation,
the IAA may also stipulate additional requirement of information/clarification for impact
assessment purpose if deemed essential due to he specific nature of location of the
proposal whose data as prescribed is not available, the IAA can examine the project on
the basis of available data.

7. APPLICATION FORM

(i) In order to remove any hardship to the project proponent in providing any
information, the project proponent may, where some information is not available or
would cause inordinate delay, mention this in their application form. The IAA may
consider the project proposal based on the information available.

(ii) Quality and quantity of ground water.

72 Notification on Environment Impact Assessment (EIA)

If 15 years data on the quantity and quality variation of groundwater is not

available with the concerned Department or Authorities, the project proponent may
mention this accordingly in the application form prescribed in Schedule- II to the
notification. Further, in case of projects where groundwater is not to be used and effluent
are not to be discharged on the land, the requirement of groundwater variation data for
the previous 15 years will be dispensed with.

(iii) A project proponent may write the words Not Applicable while filling he
application form as mentioned in Schedule II to the notification in respect of times
which are not relevant for the purpose of the proposed project.

8. EXEMPTION FOR PROJECTS ALREADY INITIATED

For projects listed in Schedule-I to the notification in respect of which the required land
has been acquired and all relevant clearances of the State Government including NOC
from the respective State Pollution Control Board have been obtained before 27 th
January, 1994 a project proponent will not be required to seek environmental clearance
from the IAA. However, those units who have not as yet commenced production will
inform the IAA.
 Notification on Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) 73

ENVIRONMENT IMPACT ASSESSMENT IN RELATION TO THE THERMAL

POWER PLANTS
NOTIFICATION
New Delhi, the 10th April, 1997
*
S.O.319(E).- In exercise of the powers conferred by section 23 of the Environment
(Protection) Act, 1986 (29 of 1986) (hereinafter referred to as the said Act), the Central
Government hereby directs that the powers conferred on it by sub-section (1) of section 3
of the said Act to take measures for protecting and improving the quality of the
environment and preventing, controlling and abating environmental pollution be
exercisable also by the State Government as notified in the notification of the
Government of India in the Ministry of Environment and Forests No. S.O. 60(E) dated
the 27th January, 1994 in relation to the Thermal Power Plants specified in Schedule 1
annexed to this notification subject to the conditions and limitations specified in Schedule
II annexed to this notification.

SCHEDULE I

CATEGORY OF THERMAL POWER PLANTS REQUIRING

ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE FROM THE STATE GOVERNMENT.

1. Co-generation Captive Plants

(i) Co-generation Plants All Co-generation plants irrespective of
the installed capacities
(ii) Captive Power Plants Upto 250 MW ( both coal and
gas/naphtha based)coming up separately
and not along the main industry
II Utility Projects :
(i) Coal based plants upto 500 MW using fluidized bed technology subject
to the sensitive areas restrictions.
(ii) Coal based Power Plants upto 250 MW using conventional technologies.
(iii) Gas/Naphtha based plants upto 500 MW./
1
[Note-Every project proposed to be located in

(a) a critically polluted area; or

(b) within a radius of fifteen kilometers of the boundary of
(i) reserved forests,
1
* The Principal Notification was published vide No. S.O.60(E), dated 27.1.1994, and subsequently amended vide
Notification No.356(E), dated 4.5.1994.
Substituted vide Notification S.O.891(E), dated 4.8.2003.
74 Notification on Environment Impact Assessment (EIA)

(ii) ecologically sensitive areas which include national parks, sanctuaries,

biosphere reserves; and
(iii) any state, shall require environmental clearance from the Central
Government.]

SCHEDULE -II

Procedure for seeking environment clearance of projects.

1. (1) Any persons who desires to establish a thermal power plant of any
category mentioned in Schedule I, shall submit an application to the
Department of the State Government dealing with the subject of
Environment.

(2) The application shall be made in the Form A specified in Schedule II

annexed to this notification and shall be accompanied by a the detailed
project report which shall, inter alia, include an Environmental Impact
Assessment Report and an Environmental Management Plan prepared in
accordance with the guidelines issued by the State Department of
Environment from time to time.

(3) Cases rejected due to submission of insufficient or inadequate data and

Action Plans may be reviewed as and when submitted with complete
data and Action Plans. Submission of incomplete data for the second
time would itself be a sufficient reason for the State Government to reject
the case summarily.

2. In case of the pit-head thermal power plants, the applicant shall intimated the
location of the project site to the State Government while initiating any investigation and
surveys. The State Government will convey a decision regarding suitability or otherwise
of the proposed site within a maximum period of thirty days. The said site clearance will
be granted for a sanctioned capacity and it will be valid for a period of five years for
commencing the construction or operation of the project.

3 (1) The applicant shall obtain no objection Certificate from the concerned
Pollution Control Board. The State Pollution Control Board shall issue
No Objection Certificate to establish only after completing public
hearing as specified in Schedule IV annexed to this notification.

(2) The reports submitted with the application, and No Objection Certificate
from the State Pollution Control Board shall be evaluated and assessed
by the State Government, in consultation with a Committee of experts
which shall be constituted by the State Government as specified in
Schedule III appended to this notification.
 Notification on Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) 75

(3) The said Committee of experts shall have full right of entry and
inspection of the site, or as the case may be, factory premises at any time
prior to, during or after the commencement of the operation relating to
the plant.

(4) The State Government Department dealing with the subject of

Environment shall prepared a set of recommendations based on technical
assessment of documents and data furnished by the applicant
supplemented by data collected during visits to sites, if undertaken and
interaction with affected population and environment groups, if
necessary.

(5) The assessment shall be completed within a period of ninety days from
the receipt of the requisite documents and data from the applicant and
decision conveyed within thirty days thereafter.

(6) The environmental clearance granted shall be valid for a period of five
years for commencement of the construction or operation of the project.

4. Concealing factual data or submission of false, misleading data or reports,

decisions of recommendations would lead to the project being rejected. Approval, if
granted, earlier on the basis of false data, can also be revoked.

FORM A

APPLICATION FORM

1. (a) Name and Address of the project proposed

(b) Location of the project :

Name of the Place:
District, Tehsil :
Latitude/Longitude:
Nearest Airport/Railway Station :

(c) Alternate sites examined and the reasoned for selecting the proposed site:

(e) Does the site conform to stipulated land use as per local land use plan:

2. Objectives of the projects :

3. (a) Land Requirement :

Agriculture Land :
Forests land and Density of vegetation other (specify):
76 Notification on Environment Impact Assessment (EIA)

(b) (i) Land use in the Catchments/within 10 kms. radius of the

proposal site:
(ii) Topography of the area indicating gradients, aspects and altitude.
(iii) Erodibility classification of the proposed land :

(c) Pollution sources existing in 10 km radius and their impact on quality of

air, water and land :

(d) Distance of the nearest National Park/Sanctuary/Biosphere

Reserve/Monuments/heritage site/ Reserve Forests:

(e) Rehabilitation plan for queries /borrow areas :

(f) Green belt plan :

(g) Compensatory afforestation plan :

4. Climate and Air Quality

(a) Windrose at site :

(b) Max/Min/Mean annual temperature:

(c) Frequency of inversion:

(d) Frequency of cyclones/tornadoes/cloud burst:

(e) Ambient air quality data :

(f) Nature and concentration of emission of SPM, Gas (CO, CO 2, NO2 CHn
etc.) from the project.

5. Water balance :

(a) Water balance at site :

(b) Lean season water availability :

Water Requirement :

(c) Source to be tapped with competing users (River, Lake, Ground, Public
supply) :

(d) Water quality :

 Notification on Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) 77

(e) Changes observed in quality and quantity of ground water in the last 15
years and present charging and extraction details :

(f) (i) Quantum of waste water to be release with treatment details :

(ii) Quantum of quality of water in the receiving body before and after
disposal of solid wastes :

(iii) Quantum of waste water to be released on land and type of land

(g) (i) Details of reservoir water quality with necessary Catchment

Treatment Plan :

(ii) Command Area Development Plan :

6. Solid Waste :

(a) Nature and quantity of solid wastes generated :

(b) Solid waste disposal method :

7. Noise and Vibrations :

(a) Sources of Noise and Vibrations :

(b) Ambient noise level:
(c) Noise and Vibration control measures proposed:
(d) Subsidence problem if any with control measures :

8. Power requirement indicating sources of supply : Complete environmental details to

be furnished separately, if captive power unit proposed. :

9. Peak labour force to be deployed giving details of :

Endemic health problems in the area due to waste water/air/soil borne

diseases :
Health care system existing and proposed :

10. (a) Number of villages and population to be displaced :

(b) Rehabilitation Master Plan :

11. Risk Assessment Report and Disaster Management Plan :

12. (a) Environment Impact Assessment:

(b) Environment Management Plan :

78 Notification on Environment Impact Assessment (EIA)

(c) Detailed Feasibility Report :

(d) Duly filled in questionnaire :

Report prepares as per guidelines issued by the Central Government in the MOEF from
time to time.

13. Details of Environmental Management Cell :

I hereby give an undertaking that the data and information given above are true to
be best of my knowledge and belief and I am aware that if any part of the
data/information submitted is found to be false or misleading at any stage, the project be
rejected and the clearance given, if any, to the project is likely to be revoked at our risk
and cost.

Signature of the applicant

With name and full address

Given under the seal of

Organization On behalf of
whom the applicant is signing

Date :
Place :

In respect to item for which data are not required or is not available as per the
declaration of project proponent, the project would be considered on that basis.

SCHEDULE - III

[ See Sub para (2), Para (3) of Schedule II]

COMPOSITION OF THE EXPERT COMMITTEES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL

IMPACT ASSESSMENT

1. The Committees will consist of experts in the following disciplines :

(i) Eco-System Management

(ii) Air/Water Pollution Control

(iii) Water Resources Management

(iv) Flora/Fauna Conservation and management

(v) Land Use Planning

 Notification on Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) 79

(vi) Social Science/Rehabilitation

(vii) Project Appraisal

(viii) Ecology

(ix) Environmental health

(x) Subject Area Specialists

(xi) Representatives of NGOs/persons concerned with environmental issues.

2. The Chairman will be an outstanding and experienced ecologist or

environmentalist or technical professional with wide managerial experience in
the relevant development sector.

3. The representative of Impact Assessment Agency will act as a Member-

Secretary.

4. Chairman and Members will serve in their individual capacities except those
specifically nominated as representatives .

5. The Membership of a Committee shall not exceed 15.

SCHEDULE IV
[ See para 3, subparagraph (2) of Schedule II]

PROCEDURE FOR PUBLIC HEARING

(1) Process of Public Hearing : - Whoever apply for environmental clearance of

projects, shall submit to the concerned State Pollution Control Board twenty sets
of the following documents namely : -

(i) An Executive summary containing the salient features of the project both
in English as well as local language.

(ii) Form XIII prescribed under Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution)
Rules, 1975 where discharge of sewage, trade effluents, treatment of
water in any form, is required.

(iii) Form I prescribed under Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Union
Territories Rules, 1983 where discharge of emissions are involved in any
process, operation or industry.
80 Notification on Environment Impact Assessment (EIA)

(iv) Any other information on document which is necessary in the opinion of

the Board for their final disposal of the application.

(2) Notice of Public Hearing :- (i) The State Pollution Control Board shall cause a
notice for environmental public hearing which shall be published in at least two
newspapers widely circulated in the region around the project, one of which shall be in
the vernacular language of the locality concerned. State Pollution Control Board shall
mention the date, time and place of public hearing. Suggestions, views, comments and
objections of the public shall be invited within thirty days from the date of publication of
the notification.

(ii) All persons including bonafide residents, environmental groups and other located at
the project site/sites of displacement/sites likely to be affected can participate in the
public hearing. They can also make oral/written suggestions to the State Pollution
Control Board.

Explanation : - For the purpose of the paragraph person means : -

(a) any person who is likely to be affected by the grant of
environmental clearance;

(b) any persons who owns or has control over the project with
respect to which an application has been submitted for
environmental clearances;

(c) any associations of persons whether incorporated or likely to be

affected by the project and/or functioning in the field of
environment;

(d) any local authority within any part of whose local limits in
within the neighbourhood, wherein the project is proposed to be
located.

(3) Composition of public hearing panel : - The composition of the Public Hearing
Panel may consist of the following namely :-

(i) Representative of State Pollution Control Board ;

(ii) District Collector or his nominee ;

(iii) Representative of State Government dealing with the subject of

power ;

(iv) Representative of Department of the State Government dealing

with the Environment ;
 Notification on Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) 81

(v) Not more than three representatives of the local bodies such as
Municipalities or Panchayats;

(vi) Not more than three senior citizens of the area nominated by the
District Collector.

(4) Access to the Executive Summary : - The concerned persons shall be

provided access to the Executive Summary of the Project at the following
places namely : -

(i) District Collector Office ;

(ii) District Industry Centre;

(iii) In the Office of the Chief Executive Officers of Zila Parishad or

Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation/Local Body as the
case may be ;

(iv) In the head office of the concerned State Pollution Control Board
and its concerned Regional Office;

(v) In the concerned Department of the State Government dealing

with the subject of environment.

[ No.Z-12013/4/89-I.A.I]
R.K.Khwaja, Jt.Secretary

Continued